What is the main responsibility of a project manager?

The main responsibility of a project manager is to plan, execute, and close projects. This involves a comprehensive set of tasks that ensure the project is completed successfully. Planning encompasses defining the project scope, setting objectives, and creating a detailed work plan that outlines timelines, resources, and budgets. Execution is where the project manager implements the plan, coordinates team efforts, and communicates with stakeholders to keep everyone aligned. Finally, closing involves finalizing all project activities, ensuring deliverables meet specifications, obtaining final approvals, and conducting a project review.

While negotiating with vendors is a part of the project manager's duties, and team supervision is also important, these tasks serve the larger goal of effectively managing the entire project process. Creating marketing materials is typically outside the main scope of activities for a project manager unless the project specifically involves marketing-related tasks. Therefore, the comprehensive responsibility encapsulated in planning, executing, and closing projects best defines the primary role of a project manager.